a new anchor, an' mebbe a new chain. It
doesn't pay to botch things, does it?"

Donaster made no reply, but stood looking straight before him. He had
not heard Eben's words, for his mind was upon matters of more
importance to him than an old chain and anchor. They were gliding down
the Narrows now, the wind and current bearing them rapidly along. They
had reached the first turn and had swung sharply to the left, when the
first glimpse of the city appeared to view. In another quarter of an
hour they hoped to be at one of the wharves, and the boat tied up.

The current was much swifter now, and Eben was becoming anxious. He
knew the danger of the place, and hitherto his father had always
piloted the "Eb and Flo" through the Narrows. If the breeze would only
hold, he could easily make thee wharf. Should it fail, there would be
serious trouble as the current would bear them rapidly down to the
falls. But so far the wind served, and the boat sped steadily forward.
A few minutes more and the wharf would be reached. Eben felt quite
safe now, and the anxious expression disappeared from his face.

But such was not to be, for in a twinkling the wind died down, and the
sail hung limp and useless. With a startled cry, Eben gave the wheel a
rapid turn and headed the boat for the shore, hoping thus to escape
from the racing current into slower water to the left. But the "Eb and
Flo" was in the grip of a stronger master, and swinging partly around,
obeyed the current's strong behest. Leaving the now useless wheel,
Eben rushed to the side of the boat and lifted up his voice in a series
of ringing calls for help. He was heard on shore, and he saw men
running to and fro. Several tugs were lying at their wharves, but no
smoke issued from their funnels. What was he to do? He looked ahead,
and the wild, boiling, leaping waters of the falls seemed terribly
near. Instantly he thought of the motorboat. It would save them. But
Donaster and his companion had thought of it first and were already on
board. The rope was almost untied when Donaster called to him.

"Come with us. This is our only chance. Hustle."

Only for a second did Eben hesitate. He was young and life was dear.
But he must not leave. He was in charge of the "Eb and Flo," and no
true commander ever deserted his post of duty. He would not be a
coward. The engine was already started, and the propeller was churning
the water.

"Hurry up," Donaster im